Divorce is a significant life event, and one of the most common questions people ask is: “How long will it take?” The answer depends on several factors, including whether the divorce is uncontested, the court’s processing times, and any financial or child-related disputes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the UK divorce process, key timelines, and what can speed up or delay your case.
Design whether to apply individually or jointly
| Individual application | Joint application |
| One person (the applicant) begins the process. he court sends the Respondent the divorce petition and an Acknowledgement of service (AOS) form. The Respondent has 14 days to complete and return the AOS to court. | Applicant 1 starts the divorce application and then Applicant 2 fills in their information. Applicant 1 submits the application to the court. The couple must decide how to split the cost as Applicant 1 will pay the fee. There is no AOS stage for joint applications. |
The UK Divorce Process: Key Stages & Timelines
Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, the process has become more straightforward, but there are still legal steps to follow. Here’s how long each stage typically takes:
1. Applying for a Divorce (20 Weeks Minimum)
- You (or your spouse) submit a divorce application to the court.
- The court takes up to 8 weeks to process the application.
- A 20-week “cooling-off period” begins—this is mandatory before you can proceed further. This provides the couple with an opportunity to mutually agree on practical arrangements for their future separation and confirm their decision, while allowing flexibility should either party reconsider.
2. Conditional Order (Previously “Decree Nisi”) (6-8 Weeks)
- After the 20-week waiting period, you apply for a Conditional Order.
- The court reviews and approves this in 6-8 weeks. If this is approved, the court will issue a Certificate of Entitlement. This step shows the judge is satisfied that the couple are entitled to a divorce.
3. Final Order (Previously “Decree Absolute”) (6 Weeks Later)
- You must wait 6 weeks after the Conditional Order before applying for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. If the couple wants a financial settlement to be binding, they must prepare a Financial Consent Order and present it to the court for approval.
- Processing takes 1-2 weeks.
Total Time for an Uncontested Divorce: 6-9 Months
If there are no disputes over finances or child arrangements, most divorces are finalized within 6-9 months.
While the minimum time for a UK divorce is around 6 months, complex cases can take much longer. Planning ahead and seeking professional guidance can help ensure a smoother, faster process.
Court Fee
Whether you use a lawyer or not, you must pay court fees to get a divorce or dissolution. This is currently £612 in England and Wales.
Need help with your divorce? Contact us for expert legal advice tailored to your situation.
